Small Business Renovation + Change of Use | Los Angeles

This project involved guiding a long-standing neighborhood business through a complex change of use in a century-old building, balancing tight budgets, real construction constraints, and layered City and Health Department requirements. Our role went far beyond drawings. We coordinated closely with LADBS, City Planning, and the Health Department to resolve accessibility, life-safety, and food-service compliance issues while keeping the project moving forward.

Working within the realities of an older, non-conforming building, we developed practical, code-compliant solutions that minimized demolition, controlled costs, and avoided unnecessary delays. This included navigating ADA requirements, health regulations, and inspector-driven revisions, all while supporting the owner through a challenging approval process.

For small business owners, projects like this are rarely straightforward. Our focus is to translate regulations into clear decisions, advocate for feasible solutions, and carry the process through permitting so clients can reopen, operate, and grow with confidence.